3D Modeling/STL creation

OpenSCAD is the more mature of the two programs. It uses a scripting language to define a model using CSG.

Antimony is a new program, released in Spring 2015 as a visual approach to CSG. While it is easier to use, its STL export is considerably cruder (it uses a naive algorithm for creating models).

SolveSpace is a constraint-based, parametric CAD program. It has the advantage of having a more traditional CAD interface, but there is a bit of a learning curve; going through the tutorials on the program's website is highly recommended.

Alternatively, you can download an STL file from an online 3D printing repository like YouMagine or Thingiverse.

GCode Production

STL is converted to GCode using a *slicer program* which produces GCode of slices of the modeling file for the 3D printer to print. The best slicer for the Printrbot is Cura, which is preinstalled on the computer.

The Solidoodle and Mbot have their own workflows. Solidoodle uses Pronterface to send Gcode, though work is ongoing to find replacements. Mbot's software toolchain is a bit more complicated; supposedly, it uses RepetierHost, but initial tests were unsuccessful. The Mbot has an onboard control panel with an SD card reader, but uses a nonstandard format for printer instructions (not G-code). Investigations are ongoing.

Webcam Access

There are three options to access the webcam to view 3D prints in progress.

Static View:Click Here (This does not work on Hacksburg WiFi, refresh the page for an updated image.

Basic Stream:

Open VLC and navigate to Tools>Preferences.

In the bottom left corner of the Preferences window under “Show Settings” click the “All” option.

In the search box, type “Image Demuxer” and select the “Image” option.

Change the “Duration in Seconds” option to 1.00 seconds and click save.

Turn on looping.

Select Media>“Open a Network Stream” and type http://216.252.200.71:65413//cgi-bin/CGIStream.fcgi?cmd=snapPicture2&amp;usr=Snap&amp;pwd=123snap! into the Network URL box.

Click Play and the video should begin playing at ~1 FPS

Note: This method is a workaround if you do not wish to install the IPCWebComponents.exe required for full camera contol. That method provides better video quality and the option to pan/tilt/zoom.

Full Control:Click Here Visit from Internet Explorer initially to download and install IPCWebComponents.exe. The interface can then be accessed from other browsers (does not appear to work in Firefox).